'Blood donors are needed urgently to save lives Emergency Blood Transfusion Service', 1942

Lithograph information poster, after Abram Games (1914-1996), published by the Ministry of Health, printed by Low and Brydone Limited, London, 1942.

This dramatic poster appeals for blood donors. Games' design includes a red tube protuding from the text in the centre and also from the head of the soldier so that it appears as if he is receiving an emergency blood transfusion.

In the run up to the D-Day landings in Normandy, it became obvious that an estimated 30,000 pints of blood would be needed to support the enormous Allied operation. Although the casualty rate was very high amongst the assault troops, this proved to be more blood than was needed. These posters, issued by the Ministry of Information to be viewed by soldiers, were later adapted for civilians.

From a collection of 45 posters from World War Two (1939-1945).